Screening of Carbonic Anhydrase, Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, and α-Glycosidase Enzyme Inhibition Effects and Antioxidant Activity of Coumestrol

Influence of Essential Oil Composition on Antioxidant and Antibacterial Activities of Three Cultivars of Cymbopogon Flexuosus: In Vitro and In Silico Study

The present study investigates and compares the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties of lemongrass essential oils (LEOs) extracted from fresh leaves of three cultivars of C. flexuosus: Krishna (CF-KA), Cauvery (CF-CA), and Nima (CF-NI), grown in Chhattisgarh plains. Analysis through gas chromatography techniques revealed that citral content was highest in CF-NI (79.82±1.00 %), followed by CF-KA (69.75±2.70 %) and CF-CA (54.75±1.22 %). In vitro antioxidant experiments demonstrated that CF-CA had better scavenging capacity in DPPH (SC50=164.55±9.35 μg/mL) and ABTS (SC50=4.76±0.57 GEAC/g) free radical scavenging assays. The in vitro antibacterial experiments against Staphylococcus aureus (MTCC3160) and Escherichia coli (MTCC1687) demonstrated CF-NI's enhanced antibacterial efficacy with significant inhibition zones and low MIC values. In silico molecular docking results revealed that LEO compounds like caryophyllene oxide, humulene epoxide, β-caryophyllene etc. have better binding affinities towards targeted protein molecules responsible for bacterial cell mechanisms and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) compared to their native ligands. Variations in biological activities among cultivars were potentially linked to the proportion of phytoconstituents in their chemical composition.

Synthesis, biological evaluation, molecular docking, and MD simulation of novel 2,4-disubstituted quinazoline derivatives as selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors and antioxidant agents

Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder characterized by significant memory loss and cognitive impairments. Studies have shown that the expression level and activity of the butyrylcholinesterase enzyme increases significantly in the late stages of Alzheimer's disease, so butyrylcholinesterase can be considered as a promising therapeutic target for potential Alzheimer's treatments. In the present study, a novel series of 2,4-disubstituted quinazoline derivatives (6a-j) were synthesized and evaluated for their inhibitory activities against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinestrase (BuChE) enzymes, as well as for their antioxidant activities. The biological evaluation revealed that compounds 6f, 6h, and 6j showed potent inhibitory activities against eqBuChE, with IC50 values of 0.52, 6.74, and 3.65 µM, respectively. These potent compounds showed high selectivity for eqBuChE over eelAChE. The kinetic study demonstrated a mixed-type inhibition pattern for both enzymes, which revealed that the potent compounds might be able to bind to both the catalytic active site and peripheral anionic site of eelAChE and eqBuChE. In addition, molecular docking studies and molecular dynamic simulations indicated that potent compounds have favorable interactions with the active sites of BuChE. The antioxidant screening showed that compounds 6b, 6c, and 6j displayed superior scavenging capabilities compared to the other compounds. The obtained results suggest that compounds 6f, 6h, and 6j are promising lead compounds for the further development of new potent and selective BuChE inhibitors.

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant, and tyrosinase inhibitory potential of the Acacia cyclops trunk bark: in vitro combined with in silico approach

The aim of this study was to analyze the phytochemical profile of Acacia cyclops trunk bark ethyl acetate extract using LC-tandem mass spectrometry for the first time, along with evaluating its antioxidant and anti-tyrosinase properties. Consequently, we determined the total phenolic and flavonoid contents of the extract under investigation and identified and quantified 19 compounds, including phenolic acids and flavonoids. In addition to assessing their antioxidant potential against DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) and ABTS (2,2'-azino-bis-[3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic] acid) assays, in vitro and in silico studies were conducted to evaluate the tyrosinase inhibitory properties of the A. cyclops extract. The ethyl acetate trunk bark extract exhibited a substantial total phenolic content and demonstrated significant antioxidant activity in terms of free radical scavenging, as well as notable tyrosinase inhibitory action (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 14.08 ± 1.10 μg/mL). The substantial anti-tyrosinase activity of the examined extract was revealed through molecular docking analysis and druglikeness prediction of the main selected compounds. The findings suggest that A. cyclops extract holds promise as a potential treatment for skin hyperpigmentation disorders.

Determination of antioxidant, DNA protection, enzyme inhibition potential and molecular docking studies of a biomarker ursolic acid in Nepeta species

Ursolic acid (UA), which has many biological properties such as anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant, and regulates some pharmacological processes, has been isolated from the flowers, leaves, berries and fruits of many plant species. In this work, UA was purified from the methanol-chloroform crude extract of Nepeta species (N. aristata, N. baytopii, N. italica, N. trachonitica, N. stenantha) using a silica gel column with chloroform or ethyl acetate solvents via bioactivity-guided isolation. The most active sub-fractions were determined under bioactivities using antioxidant and DNA protection activities and enzyme inhibitions. UA was purified from these fractions and its structure was elucidated by NMR spectroscopy techniques. The highest amount of UA was found in N. stenantha (8.53 mg UA/g), while the lowest amount of UA was found in N. trachonitica (1.92 mg UA/g). The bioactivities of UA were evaluated with antioxidant and DNA protection activities, enzyme inhibitions, kinetics and interactions. The inhibition values (IC50) of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, urease, CA, tyrosinase, lipase, AChE, and BChE were determined between 5.08 and 181.96 µM. In contrast, Ki values of enzyme inhibition kinetics were observed between 0.04 and 0.20 mM. In addition, Ki values of these enzymes for enzyme-UA interactions were calculated as 0.38, 0.86, 0.45, 1.01, 0.23, 0.41, 0.01 and 2.24 µM, respectively. It is supported that UA can be widely used as a good antioxidant against oxidative damage, an effective DNA protector against genetic diseases, and a suitable inhibitor for metabolizing enzymes.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effective α-glycosidase inhibitors based on polyphenolic benzothiazole heterocycles

α-Glycosidase inhibition is one of the main approaches to treat Diabetes mellitus. Polyphenolic moieties are known to be responsible for yielding exhibit potent α-glycosidase inhibitory effects. In addition, compounds containing benzothiazole and Schiff base functionalities were previously reported to show α-glycosidase inhibition. In this paper, the synthesis of seven new phloroglucinol-containing benzothiazole Schiff base derivatives through the reaction of 6-substituted-2-aminobenzothiazole compounds with 2,4,6-trihydroxybenzaldehyde using acetic acid as a catalyst was reported. The synthesized compounds were characterized using spectroscopic methods such as FT-IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and elemental analysis. The synthesized compounds were evaluated for their inhibitory effects on α-glycosidase, compounds 3f and 3g were found to show significant inhibitory properties when compared to the positive control. The IC50 values of 3f and 3g were calculated as 24.05 ± 2.28 and 18.51 ± 1.19 µM, respectively. Kinetic studies revealed that compounds 3f and 3g exhibited uncompetitive mode of inhibition against α-glycosidase. Molecular modeling predicted druglikeness for the title compounds and underpinned the importance of phloroglucinol hydroxyls for interacting with the key residues of α-glycosidase.

Design, synthesis, molecular docking study, and α-glucosidase inhibitory evaluation of novel hydrazide-hydrazone derivatives of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid

A series of novel Schiff base derivatives (1-28) of 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid were synthesized in a multi-step reaction. All the synthesized Schiff bases were obtained in high yields and their structures were determined by 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and HR-ESI-MS spectroscopy. Except for compounds 22, 26, 27, and 28, all derivatives show excellent to moderate α-glucosidase inhibition. Compounds 5 (IC50 = 12.84 ± 0.52 µM), 4 (IC50 = 13.64 ± 0.58 µM), 12 (IC50 = 15.73 ± 0.71 µM), 13 (IC50 = 16.62 ± 0.47 µM), 15 (IC50 = 17.40 ± 0.74 µM), 3 (IC50 = 18.45 ± 1.21 µM), 7 (IC50 = 19.68 ± 0.82 µM), and 2 (IC50 = 20.35 ± 1.27 µM) shows outstanding inhibition as compared to standard acarbose (IC50 = 873.34 ± 1.67 µM). Furthermore, a docking study was performed to find out the interaction between the enzyme and the most active compounds. With this research work, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid Schiff base derivatives have been introduced as a potential class of α-glucosidase inhibitors that have remained elusive till now.

Association between dietary antioxidant capacity and type 2 diabetes mellitus in Chinese adults: a population-based cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Higher intakes of dietary antioxidants have been linked to a lower type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) risk. However, few studies have comprehensively examined the overall dietary antioxidant capacity, assessed by dietary antioxidant quality scores (DAQS) and dietary total antioxidant capacity (DTAC), related to T2DM risk, especially in populations consuming relatively monotonous diets. This study aimed to evaluate the associations of DAQS, DTAC, and T2DM among rural Chinese adults.

METHODS

Data from 12,467 participants from the Natural Population Cohort of Northwest China: Ningxia Project was analyzed. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire. DAQS were calculated based on vitamins A, C, and E, zinc (Zn), and selenium (Se) intake. DTAC was estimated using the ferric-reducing ability of plasma assay. Logistic regression models were used to evaluate the associations of DAQS and DTAC with T2DM risk. Restricted cubic splines were used to assess potential non-linear relationships between DTAC and T2DM.

RESULTS

T2DM was observed in 1,238 (9.9%) participants. After adjusting for confounders, compared to the lowest tertiles (T1) of DAQS, the odds ratios (ORs) for T2DM were 1.03 (95% CI 0.82-1.30) in T2 and 0.85 (95% CI 0.68-1.06) in T3 (P = 0.010). Compared to T1, the ORs for T2DM in the highest T3 were 0.78 (95% CI 0.67-0.91, P-trend = 0.008) for vitamin A, 1.34 (95% CI 1.15-1.56, P-trend < 0.001) for vitamin E, 0.83 (95% CI 0.71-0.97, P-trend = 0.007) for Se, and 0.86 (95% CI 0.74-1.01, P-trend = 0.033) for Zn. Compared to the lowest quartile(Q1) of DTAC, the OR in the highest Q4 was 0.96 (95% CI 0.80-1.17, P-trend = 0.024) for T2DM. A non-linear relationship was observed between DATC and T2DM.

CONCLUSION

Higher DAQS and DATC were associated with a lower T2DM risk, suggesting that consuming antioxidant-rich foods may reduce the T2DM risk.

Evaluation of Antioxidant Capacity, Anticholinergic and Antidiabetic Activities, and Phenolic Ingredients of Asphodelus aestivus by LC-MS/MS

Herein, it was aimed to evaluate three different extracts of the plant Asphodelus aestivus in terms of their antioxidant capacity, total phenolic content, flavonoid profile, and anticholinergic and antidiabetic activity. In addition, the phenolic content of the A. aestivus extracts was determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. The results obtained in the antioxidant studies were checked against butylated hydroxyanisole, butylated hydroxytoluene, Trolox, and α-tocopherol antioxidants, which are reference standards. The half-maximal inhibition concentration (IC50 ) values of A. aestivus for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) removal activity were 245.015-285.851 and 285.818-371.563 μg/mL, respectively. Then, the reducing impact of A. aestivus extracts was evaluated by the cupric ion (Cu2+ ), ferric ion (Fe3+ ), and Fe3+ -TPTZ reducing capabilities. Moreover, 0.058, 0.064, and 0.100 μg of gallic acid equivalent of phenolic and 0.500, 1.212, and 2.074 μg of quercetin equivalent of flavonoid contents were determined from 1 mg of ethanol, water, and water-ethanol extracts, respectively. For water-ethanol, ethanol, and water extracts of A. aestivus, IC50 values of 0.062±0.0001, 0.068±0.0002, and 0.090±0.0001 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase, respectively, were calculated. In addition, against the enzyme α-glucosidase IC50 values of 16.376±0.2216, 18.907±0.3004, and 24.471±0.4929 μg/mL, respectively, were calculated. Extracts showed considerable biological activities thanks to the important molecules they contain.

Quinacrine, a PLA2 inhibitor, alleviates LPS-induced acute kidney injury in rats: Involvement of TLR4/NF-κB/TNF α-mediated signaling

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a major factor in sepsis-related mortality and may occur due to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), an endotoxin produced by gram-negative bacteria that triggers a systemic acute inflammatory response. Quinacrine's (QC) renoprotective properties in sepsis and the underlying mechanism, however, are still not fully understood. This study was done to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and anti-apoptotic effects of QC, a phospholipase A2 (PLA2) inhibitor, against LPS-induced AKI. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, QC30 group, LPS group, LPS+QC 10 group, and LPS+QC 30 group. The rats were administered intraperitoneally QC (10 and 30 mg/kg) for 3 days (once a day) prior to injection of LPS (3 mg/kg). Six hours after the LPS injection, the histopathological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the collected kidney tissues were detected by hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), real-time PCR (RT-PCR), and immunohistochemistry staining, respectively. QC pretreatment could successfully attenuate LPS-induced AKI, as evidenced by a decrease in tissue histopathological injury. Meanwhile, QC alleviated LPS-induced kidney oxidative stress; it reduced MDA levels and increased levels of SOD, CAT, GPX, and GSH. LPS-induced elevations in kidney TLR4, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PLA2, caspase 3, and Bax contents were significantly attenuated in QC-treated groups. Our findings revealed a significant effect of QC: protecting against LPS-induced AKI through inhibition of PLA2 and decreasing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. To treat LPS-induced AKI, QC may be an effective substance with an excellent protection profile.

From Plants to Therapies: Exploring the Pharmacology of Coumestrol for Neurological Conditions

Neurological disorders are possibly the most prevalent and have been identified to occur among individuals with autism beyond chance. These disorders encompass a diverse range of consequences with neurological causes and have been regarded as a major threat to public mental health. There is no tried-and-true approach for completely protecting the nervous system. Therefore, plant-derived compounds have developed significantly nowadays. Coumestrol (CML) is a potent isoflavone phytoestrogen with a protective effect against neurological dysfunction and has been discovered to be structurally and functionally similar to estrogen. In recent years, more research has been undertaken on phytoestrogens. This research demonstrates the biological complexity of phytoestrogens, which consist of multiple chemical families and function in various ways. This review aimed to explore recent findings on the most significant pharmacological advantages of CML by emphasising neurological benefits. Numerous CML extraction strategies and their pharmacological effects on various neurological disorders, including PD, AD, HD, anxiety, and cognitive impairments, were also documented.

Customized fluorescent probe for peering into the expression of butyrylcholinesterase in thyroid cancer

BACKGROUND

Thyroid cancer has been increasingly prevalent in recent years. The main diagnostic methods for thyroid are B-ultrasound scan, serum detection and puncture detection. However, these methods are invasive and complex. It is a pressing need to develop non-invasive or minimally invasive methods for thyroid cancer diagnosis. Fluorescence method as a non-invasive detection method has attracted much attention. Butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) is a common enzyme in the human body, and many diseases affect its reduction. We found that BChE is also a marker for thyroid cancer. Therefore, it is of certain clinical value to explore the expression of BChE in thyroid cancer cells through a customized fluorescent probe to provide valuable experimental data and clues for studying the expression of thyroid cancer marker to reflect thyroid status.

RESULTS

In this study, we customized a fluorescent probe named Kang-BChE, which is easy to synthesize with a high yield. The experimental results show that the probe Kang-BChE can detect BChE in the linear range of 0-900 U L-1 (R2 = 0.9963), and the detection limit is as low as 3.93 U L-1 (λex/em = 550/689 nm). In addition, Kang-BChE probes have low cytotoxicity, good specificity, and can completely eliminate interference from acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Kang-BChE showed excellent stability in the detection of complex biological samples in serum recovery experiments (95.64-103.12 %). This study was the first time using Kang-BChE to study the low expression of BChE in thyroid cancer cells (Tpc-1 cells). In addition, we observed that H2O2 concentration in Tpc-1 cells was positively correlated with BChE activity.

SIGNIFICANCE

Kang-BChE is expected to be an important tool for monitoring the change of BChE content in complex biological environments due to its excellent performance. Kang-BChE can also be used to explore the influence of molecules in more organisms on the change of BChE content due to its excellent anti-interference ability. We expect that Kang-BChE can play a significant role in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of thyroid cancer.

Evaluation of Carbonic Anhydrase, Acetylcholinesterase, Butyrylcholinesterase, and α-Glycosidase Inhibition Effects and Antioxidant Activity of Baicalin Hydrate

Baicalin is the foremost prevalent flavonoid found in Scutellaria baicalensis. It also frequently occurs in many multi-herbal preparations utilized in Eastern countries. The current research has assessed and compared the antioxidant, antidiabetic, anticholinergic, and antiglaucoma properties of baicalin hydrate. Baicalin hydrate was tested for its antioxidant capacity using a variety of techniques, including N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride radical (DMPD•+) scavenging activity, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical (ABTS•+) scavenging activity, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH•) scavenging activity, potassium ferric cyanide reduction ability, and cupric ions (Cu2+) reducing activities. Also, for comparative purposes, reference antioxidants, such as butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), Trolox, α-Tocopherol, and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) were employed. Baicalin hydrate had an IC50 value of 13.40 μg/mL (r2: 0.9940) for DPPH radical scavenging, whereas BHA, BHT, Trolox, and α-Tocopherol had IC50 values of 10.10, 25.95, 7.059, and 11.31 μg/mL for DPPH• scavenging, respectively. These findings showed that baicalin hydrate had comparably close and similar DPPH• scavenging capability to BHA, α-tocopherol, and Trolox, but it performed better than BHT. Additionally, apart from these studies, baicalin hydrate was tested for its ability to inhibit a number of metabolic enzymes, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase II (CA II), and α-glycosidase, which have been linked to several serious illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), glaucoma, and diabetes, where the Ki values of baicalin hydrate toward the aforementioned enzymes were 10.01 ± 2.86, 3.50 ± 0.68, 19.25 ± 1.79, and 26.98 ± 9.91 nM, respectively.

Potential antioxidant, anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antiglaucoma activities and molecular docking of spiraeoside as a secondary metabolite of onion (Allium cepa)

Onion contains many dietary and bioactive components including phenolics and flavonoids. Spiraeoside (quercetin-4-O-β-D-glucoside) is one of the most putative flavonoids in onion. Several antioxidant techniques were used in this investigation to assess the antioxidant capabilities of spiraeoside, including 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH·) scavenging, N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine radical (DMPD•+) scavenging, 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonate) radical (ABTS•+) scavenging activities, cupric ions (Cu2+) reducing and potassium ferric cyanide reduction abilities. In contrast, the water-soluble α-tocopherol analogue trolox and the conventional antioxidants butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), and α-tocopherol were utilized as the standards for evaluation. Spiraeoside scavenged the DPPH radicals an IC50 of 28.51 μg/mL (r2: 0.9705) meanwhile BHA, BHT, trolox, and α-tocopherol displayed IC50 of 10.10 μg/mL (r2: 0.9015), 25.95 μg/mL (r2: 0.9221), 7.059 μg/mL (r2: 0.9614) and 11.31 μg/mL (r2: 0.9642), accordingly. The results exhibited that spiraeoside had effects similar to BHT, but less potent than α-tocopherol, trolox and BHA. Also, inhibitory effects of spiraeoside were evaluated toward some metabolic enzymes including acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase II (CA II) and α-glycosidase, which are related to a number of illnesses, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), diabetes mellitus and glaucoma disorder. Spiraeoside exhibited IC50 values of 4.44 nM (r2: 0.9610), 7.88 nM (r2: 0.9784), 19.42 nM (r2: 0.9673) and 29.17 mM (r2: 0.9209), respectively against these enzymes. Enzyme inhibition abilities were compared to clinical used inhibitors including acetazolamide (for CA II), tacrine (for AChE and BChE) and acarbose (for α-glycosidase). Spiraeoside demonstrated effective antioxidant, anticholinergic, antidiabetic and antiglaucoma activities. With these properties, it has shown that Spiraeoside has the potential to be a medicine for some metabolic diseases.

Comprehensive Phytochemical Content by LC/MS/MS and Anticholinergic, Antiglaucoma, Antiepilepsy, and Antioxidant Activity of Apilarnil (Drone Larvae)

Apilarnil is 3-7 days old drone larvae. It is an organic bee product known to be rich in protein. In this study, the biological activities of Apilarnil were determined by its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition effects. Antioxidant activities were determined by Fe3+ , Cu2+ , Fe3+ -TPTZ ((2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-s-triazine), reducing ability and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) scavenging assays. Also, its enzyme inhibition effects were tested against carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCA I, hCA II), acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes. Antioxidant activity of Apilarnil was generally lower than the standard molecules in the applied methods. In DPPH⋅ radical scavenging assay, Apilarnil exhibited higher radical scavenging than some standards. Enzyme inhibition results towards hCA I (IC50 : 14.2 μg/mL), hCA II: (IC50 : 11.5 μg/mL), AChE (IC50 : 22.1 μg/mL), BChE (IC50 : 16.1 μg/mL) were calculated. In addition, the quantity of 53 different phytochemical compounds of Apilarnil was determined by a validated method by LC/MS/MS. Compounds with the highest concentrations (mg analyte/g dry extract) were determined as quinic acid (1091.045), fumaric acid (48.714), aconitic acid (47.218), kaempferol (39.946), and quercetin (27.508). As a result, it was determined that Apilarnil had effective antioxidant profile when compared to standard antioxidants.

Synthesis and Biological Activity of Some Bromophenols and Their Derivatives Including Natural Products

In addition to the first synthesis of the natural bromophenol butyl 2-(3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxyphenyl)acetate (1), indene derivatives 34 and 35 were synthesized from 3-phenylpropenal derivatives in BBr3 medium. Five known natural bromophenols and some derivatives were synthesized by known methods. Cholinesterase (ChEs) inhibitors reduce the breakdown of acetylcholine and are used in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and dementia symptoms. The inhibition effects of all obtained compounds were examined towards acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) and α-glycosidase enzymes. All synthesized compounds demonstrated the strong inhibition effects against both cholinergic enzymes. For determination of Ki values of novel bromophenols Lineweaver-Burk graphs were obtained. Ki values were found in the ranging of 0.13-14.74 nM for AChE, 5.11-23.95 nM for BChE, and 63.96-206.78 nM for α-glycosidase, respectively. All bromophenols and their derivatives exhibit effective inhibition profile when compared to positive controls.

Screening of Antiglaucoma, Antidiabetic, Anti-Alzheimer, and Antioxidant Activities of Astragalus alopecurus Pall-Analysis of Phenolics Profiles by LC-MS/MS

Astragalus species are traditionally used for diabetes, ulcers, leukemia, wounds, stomachaches, sore throats, abdominal pain, and toothaches. Although the preventive effects of Astragalus species against diseases are known, there is no record of the therapeutic effects of Astragalus alopecurus. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the in vitro antiglaucoma, antidiabetic, anti-Alzheimer's disease, and antioxidant activities of the methanolic (MEAA) and water (WEAA) extracts of the aerial part of A. alopecurus. Additionally, its phenolic compound profiles were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). MEAA and WEAA were evaluated for their inhibition ability on α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes. The phenolic compounds of MEAA were analyzed by LC-MS/MS. Furthermore, total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined. In this context, the antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylene diamine (DMPD), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), cupric ions (Cu²⁺) reducing antioxidant capacity (CUPRAC), ferric ions (Fe³⁺) reducing, and ferrous ions (Fe²⁺) chelating methods. MEAA and WEAA had IC₅₀ values of 9.07 and 2.24 μg/mL for α-glycosidase, 693.15 and 346.58 μg/mL for α-amylase, 1.99 and 2.45 μg/mL for AChE, and 147.7 and 171.7 μg/mL for hCA II. While the total phenolic amounts in MEAA and WEAA were 16.00 and 18.50 μg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/mg extract, the total flavonoid contents in both extracts were calculated as 66.23 and 33.115 μg quercetin equivalent (QE)/mg, respectively. MEAA and WEAA showed, respectively, variable activities on DPPH radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 99.02 and 115.53 μg/mL), ABTS radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 32.21 and 30.22 µg/mL), DMPD radical scavenging (IC₅₀: 231.05 and 65.22 μg/mL), and Fe²⁺ chelating (IC₅₀: 46.21 and 33.01 μg/mL). MEAA and WEAA reducing abilities were, respectively, Fe³⁺ reducing (λ₇₀₀: 0.308 and 0.284), FRAP (λ₅₉₃: 0.284 and 0.284), and CUPRAC (λ₄₅₀: 0.163 and 0.137). A total of 35 phenolics were scanned, and 10 phenolic compounds were determined by LC-MS/MS analysis. LC-MS/MS revealed that MEAA mainly contained isorhamnetin, fumaric acid, and rosmarinic acid derivatives. This is the first report indicating that MEAA and WEAA have α-glycosidase, α-amylase, AChE, hCA II inhibition abilities, and antioxidant activities. These results demonstrate the potential of Astragalus species through antioxidant properties and enzyme inhibitor ability traditionally used in medicine. This work provides the foundation for further research into the establishment of novel therapeutics for diabetes, glaucoma, and Alzheimer's disease.

Determination of Antioxidant, Anti-Alzheimer, Antidiabetic, Antiglaucoma and Antimicrobial Effects of Zivzik Pomegran-ate (Punica granatum)—A Chemical Profiling by LC-MS/MS)

Zivzik pomegranate (Punica granatum) has recently sparked considerable interest due to its nutritional and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the antioxidant capacities of P. granatum juice, ethanol (EEZP), and water (WEZP) extracts from peel and seed, the antioxidant methods of 2,2′-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid radical (ABTS•+) scavenging, 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical (DPPH•) scavenging, Fe3+-2,4,6-tris(2-pyridyl)-S-triazine (TPTZ) reducing, Fe3+ reducing, and Cu2+ reducing methods were used. The antioxidant capacities of samples were compared with the most commonly used synthetic antioxidants, i.e., BHA, BHT, α-tocopherol, and Trolox. In terms of setting an example, the IC50 values of EEZP for ABTS•+ and DPPH• scavenging activities were found to be lower than standards, at 5.9 and 16.1 μg/mL, respectively. The phenolic and flavonoid contents in EEZP peel were 59.7 mg GAE/g and 88.0 mg QE/g, respectively. Inhibition of α-glycosidase, α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzymes was also investigated. EEZP demonstrated IC50 values of 7.3 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, 317.7 μg/mL against α-amylase, 19.7 μg/mL against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and 106.3 μg/mL against CA II enzymes. A total of 53 phenolic compounds were scanned, and 30 compounds were determined using LC-MS/MS. E. coli and S. aureus bacteria were resistant to all four antibiotics used as standards in hospitals.

Theoretical study on the free radical scavenging potency and mechanism of natural coumestans: Roles of substituent, noncovalent interaction and solvent

The free radical scavenging potency and mechanisms of seven representative natural coumestans were systematically evaluated using density functional theory (DFT) approach. Thermodynamic feasibility of different mechanisms was assessed by various physio-chemical descriptors involved in the double (2H⁺/2e^‒) radical-trapping processes. Energy diagram and related transition state structures of the reaction between wedelolactone (WEL) and hydroperoxyl radical were constructed to further uncover the radical-trapping details. Results showed that the studied coumestans prefer to scavenge radicals via formal hydrogen atom transfer (fHAT) mechanism in the gas phase and non-polar environment, whereas sequential proton loss electron transfer (SPLET) is favored in polar media. Moreover, the feasibility of second fHAT and SPLET processes was also revealed. Sequential double proton loss double electron transfer (SdPLdET) mechanism represents the preferred pathway in aqueous solution at physiological pH. Our findings highlight the essential role of ortho-dihydroxyl group, noncovalent interaction and solvents on radical-trapping potency. 4'-OH in D-ring was found to be the most favorable site to trap radical for most of the studied coumestans, whereas 3-OH in A-ring for lucernol (LUN).

Comprehensive Metabolite Profiling of Berdav Propolis Using LC-MS/MS: Determination of Antioxidant, Anticholinergic, Antiglaucoma, and Antidiabetic Effects

Propolis is a complex natural compound that honeybees obtain from plants and contributes to hive safety. It is rich in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which contain antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. In this study, the chemical composition and antioxidant activities of propolis were investigated; ABTS•+, DPPH• and DMPD•+ were prepared using radical scavenging antioxidant methods. The phenolic and flavonoid contents of propolis were 53 mg of gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g and 170.164 mg of quercetin equivalent (QE)/g, respectively. The ferric ion (Fe3+) reduction, CUPRAC and FRAP reduction capacities were also studied. The antioxidant and reducing capacities of propolis were compared with those of butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), α-tocopherol and Trolox reference standards. The half maximal inhibition concentration (IC50) values of propolis for ABTS•+, DPPH• and DMPD•+ scavenging activities were found to be 8.15, 20.55 and 86.64 μg/mL, respectively. Propolis extract demonstrated IC50 values of 3.7, 3.4 and 19.6 μg/mL against α-glycosidase, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II) enzyme, respectively. These enzymes' inhibition was associated with diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD) and glaucoma. The reducing power, antioxidant activity and enzyme inhibition capacity of propolis extract were comparable to those demonstrated by the standards. Twenty-eight phenolic compounds, including acacetin, caffeic acid, p-coumaric acid, naringenin, chrysin, quinic acid, quercetin, and ferulic acid, were determined by LC-MS/MS to be major organic compounds in propolis. The polyphenolic antioxidant-rich content of the ethanol extract of propolis appears to be a natural product that can be used in the treatment of diabetes, AD, glaucoma, epilepsy, and cancerous diseases.

Chemical composition of the Kaempferia galanga L. essential oil and its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities

Introduction

Oxidative stress is closely related to the development of many diseases. Essential oils (EOs) show potent antioxidant activity from natural sources. Kaempferia galanga L. is an important medicine rich in high-value essential oil (KGEO). However, the antioxidant activity of KGEO remains to be fully studied.

Methods

Chemical composition of KGEO was analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The antioxidant activity was determined using the DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radical scavenging assays and reducing power assay in vitro. A zebrafish model was used to evaluate the protective effect of KGEO against H2O2-induced oxidative stress damage in vivo.

Results

The major components of KGEO were found to be trans ethyl p-methoxycinnamate (32.01%), n-pentadecane (29.14%) and trans ethyl cinnamate (19.50%). In vitro pharmacological results showed that KGEO had good free radical scavenging capacity in DPPH, ABTS, and hydroxyl radical scavenging assays (IC₅₀ values: 19.77 ± 1.28, 1.41 ± 0.01, and 3.09 ± 0.34 mg/mL, respectively) and weak reducing capacity in the reducing power assay (EC₅₀ value: 389.38 ± 4.07 mg/mL). In vivo zebrafish experiments results indicated that the survival rate and heart rate increased, and ROS generation, cell death, and lipid peroxidation were attenuated after KGEO treatment. In addition, a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and increases in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were observed in the KGEO-treated groups.

Discussion

This study validated the in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities of KGEO, which provides a theoretical basis for a profound study of KGEO and its application in the pharmaceutical, food and cosmetic industries.

Piperazine derivatives with potent drug moiety as efficient acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and glutathione S-transferase inhibitors

Cholinesterases catalyze the breakdown of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (ACh), a naturally occurring neurotransmitter, into choline and acetic acid, allowing the nervous system to function properly. In the human body, cholinesterases come in two types, including acetylcholinesterase (AChE; E.C.3.1.1.7) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE; E.C.3.1.1.8). Both cholinergic enzyme inhibitors are essential in the biochemical processes of the human body, notably in the brain. On the other hand, GSTs are found all across nature and are the principal Phase II detoxifying enzymes in eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Specific isozymes are identified as therapeutic targets because they are overexpressed in various malignancies and may have a role in the genesis of other diseases such as neurological disorders, multiple sclerosis, asthma, and especially cancer cell. Piperazine chemicals have a role in many biological processes and have fascinating pharmacological properties. As a result, therapeutically effective piperazine research is becoming more prominent. Half maximal inhibition concentrations (IC₅₀ ) of piperazine derivatives were found in ranging of 4.59-6.48 µM for AChE, 4.85-8.35 µM for BChE, and 3.94-8.66 µM for GST. Also, piperazine derivatives exhibited Ki values of 8.04 ± 5.73-61.94 ± 54.56, 0.24 ± 0.03-32.14 ± 16.20, and 7.73 ± 1.13-22.97 ± 9.10 µM toward AChE, BChE, and GST, respectively. Consequently, the inhibitory properties of the AChE/BChE and GST enzymes have been compared to Tacrine (for AChE and BChE) and Etacrynic acid (for GST).

Commelina benghalensis (Wandering Jew) Linn exhibits abortifacient potentials and hepatotoxicity in pregnant Wistar rats via elevating indicators of oxidative stress and activating proinflammatory cytokines

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Commelina benghalensis Linn is a perennial plant with upright stems reaching a height of 1 m. Its stem is commonly used to induce abortion in traditional medicine. However, there are insignificant scientific data to evaluate such a claim.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study was conducted to determine the abortifacient and toxicological potential of ethanol extract of Commelina benghalensis Linn stem (EECBS) via selected proinflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in pregnant Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To determine the phytochemicals responsible for EECBS's toxicity and abortifacient effects, high-performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection (HPLC-PDA) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used. The abortion rate was determined by monitoring the markers of reproductive system failure in the experimental model. To assess rat hepatotoxicity, biochemical markers and immunohistopathological parameters were used.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated the presence of isomeric benzene-mesitylene compounds in EECBS. Also, EECBS significantly altered the markers of liver function and oxidative damage while eliciting a significantly reduced (P < 0.05) number of live fetuses, number of corpora lutea, progesterone, estradiol, and luteinizing hormone, whereas the number of dead fetuses percentage vaginal opening, and post-implantation loss increased significantly (P < 0.05). Estrogenicity studies indicated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in uterine weight, uterine glucose, and ALP dose-dependently. Moreover, EECBS also caused a vaginal hemorrhage preceding the parturition. Also, EECBS treatment significantly increased levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and significantly elevated the expression of COX-2 protein in the liver.

CONCLUSION

The current investigation established Commelina benghalensis Linn stem's abortifacient activity. Continuous use, on the other hand, may cause liver damage in pregnant rats by disrupting antioxidant defense mechanisms, promoting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increasing COX-2 expression. Hence, caution should be excised while consuming this plant's stem for medication purposes, especially during the gestational period.

Synthesis of Novel Bromophenol with Diaryl Methanes—Determination of Their Inhibition Effects on Carbonic Anhydrase and Acetylcholinesterase

In this work, nine new bromophenol derivatives were designed and synthesized. The alkylation reactions of (2-bromo-4,5-dimethoxyphenyl)methanol (7) with substituted benzenes 8–12 produced new diaryl methanes 13–17. Targeted bromophenol derivatives 18–21 were synthesized via the O-Me demethylation of diaryl methanes with BBr3. Moreover, the synthesized bromophenol compounds were tested with some metabolic enzymes such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), carbonic anhydrase I (CA I), and II (CA II) isoenzymes. The novel synthesized bromophenol compounds showed Ki values that ranged from 2.53 ± 0.25 to 25.67 ± 4.58 nM against hCA I, from 1.63 ± 0.11 to 15.05 ± 1.07 nM against hCA II, and from 6.54 ± 1.03 to 24.86 ± 5.30 nM against AChE. The studied compounds in this work exhibited effective hCA isoenzyme and AChE enzyme inhibition effects. The results show that they can be used for the treatment of glaucoma, epilepsy, Parkinson’s as well as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) after some imperative pharmacological studies that would reveal their drug potential.

The combined treatments of brassinolide and zeaxanthin better alleviate oxidative damage and improve hypocotyl length, biomass, and the quality of radish sprouts stored at low temperature

The rot and deterioration of sprouts are closely related to their physiological state and postharvest storage quality. The study investigated the influences of brassinolide, zeaxanthin, and their combination on physiological metabolism, chlorophyll fluorescence, and nutritional quality of radish sprouts stored at 4 °C. The combined treatments enhanced hypocotyl length, fresh weight, contents of secondary metabolites, nutritional ingredients, glutathione, the photoprotective capacity of PSII, and FRAP level in radish sprouts compared with zeaxanthin alone. The combined treatments enhanced hypocotyl length, fresh weight, glutathione content, Fv/Fm value, and antioxidant capacity in sprouts compared to brassinolide alone. The combined treatment of zeaxanthin and brassinolide could make radish sprouts keep high biomass and antioxidant capacity by increasing the contents of stress-resistant metabolites and by weakening the photoinhibition of PSII in radish sprouts stored at 4 °C.

Sahlep (Dactylorhiza osmanica): Phytochemical Analyses by LC-HRMS, Molecular Docking, Antioxidant Activity, and Enzyme Inhibition Profiles

Studies have shown an inverse correlation among age-related illnesses like coronary heart disease and cancer and intake of fruit and vegetable. Given the probable health benefits of natural antioxidants from plants, research on them has increased. Dactylorhiza osmanica is consumed as a food and traditional medicine plant in some regions of Turkey, so evaluation of the biological ability of this species is important. In this study, the amount of phenolic content (LC-HRMS), antioxidant activities and enzyme inhibitory properties of an endemic plant, D. osmanica, were investigated. The antioxidant capacities of an ethanol extract of D. osmanica aerial parts (EDOA) and roots (EDOR) were evaluated with various antioxidant methods. Additionally, the enzyme inhibitory effects of EDOA and EDOR were examined against acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glycosidase, and α-amylase enzymes, which are associated with common and global Alzheimer's disease and diabetes mellitus. The IC50 values of EDOA against the enzymes were found to be 1.809, 1.098, and 0.726 mg/mL, respectively; and the IC50 values of EDOR against the enzymes were found to be 2.466, 0.442, and 0.415 mg/mL, respectively. Additionally, LC-HRMS analyses revealed p-Coumaric acid as the most plentiful phenolic in both EDOA (541.49 mg/g) and EDOR (559.22 mg/g). Furthermore, the molecular docking interaction of p-coumaric acid, quercitrin, and vanillic acid, which are the most plentiful phenolic compounds in the extracts, with AChE, α-glucosidase, and α-amylase, were evaluated using AutoDock Vina software. The rich phenolic content and the effective antioxidant ability and enzyme inhibition potentials of EDOA and EDOR may support the plant's widespread food and traditional medicinal uses.

Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, Anticholinergic, and Antiglaucoma Effects of Magnofluorine

Magnofluorine, a secondary metabolite commonly found in various plants, has pharmacological potential; however, its antioxidant and enzyme inhibition effects have not been investigated. We investigated the antioxidant potential of Magnofluorine using bioanalytical assays with 2,2-azinobis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS•+), N,N-dimethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (DMPD•+), and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) scavenging abilities and K3[Fe(CN)6] and Cu2+ reduction abilities. Further, we compared the effects of Magnofluorine and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), α-Tocopherol, and Trolox as positive antioxidant controls. According to the analysis results, Magnofluorine removed 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals with an IC50 value of 10.58 μg/mL. The IC50 values of BHA, BHT, Trolox, and α-Tocopherol were 10.10 μg/mL, 25.95 μg/mL, 7.059 μg/mL, and 11.31 μg/mL, respectively. Our results indicated that the DPPH· scavenging effect of Magnofluorine was similar to that of BHA, close to that of Trolox, and better than that of BHT and α-tocopherol. The inhibition effect of Magnofluorine was examined against enzymes, such as acetylcholinesterase (AChE), α-glycosidase, butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), and human carbonic anhydrase II (hCA II), which are linked to global disorders, such as diabetes, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and glaucoma. Magnofluorine inhibited these metabolic enzymes with Ki values of 10.251.94, 5.991.79, 25.411.10, and 30.563.36 nM, respectively. Thus, Magnofluorine, which has been proven to be an antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticholinergic in our study, can treat glaucoma. In addition, molecular docking was performed to understand the interactions between Magnofluorine and target enzymes BChE (D: 6T9P), hCA II (A:3HS4), AChE (B:4EY7), and α-glycosidase (C:5NN8). The results suggest that Magnofluorine may be an important compound in the transition from natural sources to industrial applications, especially new drugs.

The palladium-based complexes bearing 1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazolium with morpholine, triphenylphosphine, and pyridine derivate ligands: synthesis, characterization, structure and enzyme inhibitions

The palladium-based complexes bearing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand have long attracted attention as active catalysts for many catalytic reactions. Recently, the biological activities of these complexes, which are stable to air and moisture, have also been wondered. With the aim, we report the synthesis of a series of (NHC)Pd(Br2)(L) complexes (NHC: 1,3-dibenzylbenzimidazolium, L: morpholine, triphenylphosphine, pyridine, 3-chloropyridine, and 2-aminopyridine). All complexes were characterized by NMR (1H and 13C), FTIR spectroscopic and elemental analysis techniques. In addition, the single crystal structures of the complex 3, 4, and 6 were determined through single crystal x-ray crystallographic method. Furthermore, the carbonic anhydrase I and II isoenzymes (hCAs) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibition effects of these palladium-based complexes bearing NHC ligand were investigated. They showed highly potent inhibition effect with Ki values are between 10.06 ± 1.49-68.56 ± 11.53 nM for hCA I isoenzyme, 7.74 ± 0.66 to 49.39 ± 6.50 nM for hCA II isoenzyme and 22.83 ± 3.21 to 64.09 ± 9.05 nM for AChE enzyme.

Phloretin exhibits potential food-drug interactions by inhibiting human UDP-glucuronosyltransferases in vitro

Phloretin is a well-known apple polyphenol possessing a wide variety of biological effects and has been widely used in many fields. However, it's unclear whether phloretin has an effect on the activity of human UGT enzymes. Our study indicated that phloretin inhibited human UGTs on a broad spectrum. Further kinetic analysis revealed that phloretin inhibited UGT1A1, 1A6, 1A9, 2B7, and 2B15 in a noncompetitive manner, with calculated K_i of 8.34 μM, 16.69 μM, 10.58 μM, 17.74 μM and 2.46μΜ, respectively, whereas phloretin inhibited UGT1A7 in an un-competitive manner, with calculated K_i of 5.70 μM. According to the quantitative risk prediction, co-administration of phloretin with drugs primarily metabolized by UGT1A7 and/or UGT2B15 may result in potential food-drug interactions. To sum up, when phloretin or phloretin-rich food is administered with medications metabolized by UGT1A7 and/or UGT2B15, concern should be exercised.

Heterocyclic compounds as a magic bullet for diabetes mellitus: a review

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder due to hyperglycemia, which is increasing all over the world. From the last two decades, the use of synthetic agents has risen due to their major involvement in curing of chronic diseases including DM. The core skeleton of drugs has been studied such as thiazolidinone, azole, chalcone, pyrrole and pyrimidine along with their derivatives. Diabetics assays have been performed in consideration of different enzymes such as α-glycosidase, α-amylase, and α-galactosidase against acarbose standard drug. The studied moieties were depicted in both models: in vivo as well as in vitro. Molecular docking of the studied compounds as antidiabetic molecules was performed with the help of Auto Dock and molecular operating environment (MOE) software. Amino acid residues Asp349, Arg312, Arg439, Asn241, Val303, Glu304, Phe158, His103, Lys422 and Thr207 that are present on the active sites of diabetic related enzymes showed interactions with ligand molecules. In this review data were organized for the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds through various routes along with their antidiabetic potential, and further studies such as pharmacokinetic and toxicology studies should be executed before going for clinical trials.

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major metabolic disorder due to hyperglycemia, which is increasing all over the world.