and Evaluation of Their Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Activities

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

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

Exploring the phytochemicals, antioxidant properties, and hepatoprotective potential of Moricandia sinaica leaves against paracetamol-induced toxicity: Biological evaluations and in Silico insights

Thirteen components were identified in the methanol extract of Moricandia sinaica leaves (MSLE) through analysis utilizing HPLC-ESI-MS/MS., including flavonoids, anthocyanins, phenolic acids, and fatty acids. The methanol extract of M. sinaica leaves contained total phenolics and flavonoids (59.37 ± 2.19 mg GAE/g and 38.94 ± 2.72 mg QE/g), respectively. Furthermore, it revealed in vitro antioxidant properties as determined by the DPPH and FRAP assays, with respective IC50 values of 10.22 ± 0.64 and 20.89 ± 1.25 μg/mL. The extract exhibited a notable hepatoprotective effect in rats who experienced paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity. When a dose of 250 mg/kg was given, there was a 52% reduction in alanine transaminase and a 30% reduction in aspartate transaminase compared to the group with the disease. Furthermore, it demonstrated a 3.4-fold, 2.2-fold, and 2.6-fold increase in superoxide dismutase, non-protein sulfhydryl, and glutathione peroxidase, respectively. In addition, it demonstrated a 68% decrease in lipid peroxide levels compared to the group with paracetamol-induced condition. The verification was conducted using a histological study, which identified improved liver histology with a small number of distended hepatocytes. Moreover, in silico studies focused on the enzymes NADPH oxidase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase as the targets for the major compounds. In conclusion, MSLE showed promising hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities due to its richness in antioxidant metabolites.

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

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

Semisynthesis of Linariophyllenes A-C and Rumphellolide H, Structure Revisions and Proposed Biosynthesis Pathways

The first semisynthetic routes toward terrestrial anti-inflammatory natural products linariophyllene A-C and the refined route toward marine natural product rumphellolide H are presented. Among the synthesized target compounds, the correct structure of linariophyllene A was determined to be the diastereomer of the originally proposed structure with an inverted stereocenter at the secondary alcohol. The proposed structures of linariophyllene B and rumphellolide H were confirmed. However, the correct structure of linariophyllene C was found to be the diastereomer of the originally proposed structure with an inverted stereocenter at the tertiary carbon of the epoxide moiety. The structures of linariophyllenes A-C and rumphellolide H were unequivocally confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffractometry. The obtained results enabled the proposal of the biosynthetic origins of the aforementioned natural products and bolstered the diversity of available sesquiterpenoids. Linariophyllenes A-C and rumphellolide H were obtained in sufficient amounts to further expand their bioactivity profile and utility as reference standards in future studies of chemical constituents of terrestrial and marine organisms.

Biological Activities of Citrus aurantium Leaf Extract by Optimized Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction

Several studies have explored the biological activities of Citrus aurantium flowers, fruits, and seeds, but the bioactivity of C. aurantium leaves, which are treated as waste, remains unclear. Thus, this study developed a pilot-scale ultrasonic-assisted extraction process using the Box-Behnken design (BBD) for the optimized extraction of active compounds from C. aurantium leaves, and their antityrosinase, antioxidant, antiaging, and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. Under optimal conditions in a 150× scaleup configuration (a 30 L ultrasonic machine) of a pilot plant, the total phenolic content was 69.09 mg gallic acid equivalent/g dry weight, which was slightly lower (3.17%) than the theoretical value. The half maximal inhibitory concentration of C. aurantium leaf extract (CALE) for 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl-scavenging, 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)-scavenging, antityrosinase, anticollagenase, antielastase and anti-matrix metalloprotein-1 activities were 123.5, 58.5, 181.3, 196.4, 216.3, and 326.4 mg/L, respectively. Moreover, the minimal inhibitory concentrations for bacteria and fungi were 150-350 and 500 mg/L, respectively. In total, 17 active compounds were detected in CALE-with linalool, linalyl acetate, limonene, and α-terpineol having the highest concentrations. Finally, the overall transdermal absorption and permeation efficiency of CALE was 95.9%. In conclusion, our CALE demonstrated potential whitening, antioxidant, antiaging, and antimicrobial activities; it was also nontoxic and easily absorbed into the skin as well as inexpensive to produce. Therefore, it has potential applications in various industries.

Antioxidant and Wound Healing Bioactive Potential of Extracts Obtained from Bark and Needles of Softwood Species

Interest in the extraction of phytochemical bioactive compounds, especially polyphenols from biomass, has recently increased due to their valuable biological potential as natural sources of antioxidants, which could be used in a wide range of applications, from foods and pharmaceuticals to green polymers and bio-based materials. The present research study aimed to provide a comprehensive chemical characterization of the phytochemical composition of forest biomass (bark and needles) of softwood species (Picea abies L., H. Karst., and Abies alba Mill.) and to investigate their in vitro antioxidant and antimicrobial activities to assess their potential in treating and healing infected chronic wounds. The DPPH radical-scavenging method and P-LD were used for a mechanistic explanation of the biomolecular effects of the investigated bioactive compounds. (+)-Catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, 4 hydroxybenzoic and p-cumaric acids, kaempherol, and apigenin were the main quantified polyphenols in coniferous biomass (in quantities around 100 µg/g). Also, numerous phenolic acids, flavonoids, stilbenes, terpenes, lignans, secoiridoids, and indanes with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihemolytic, and anti-carcinogenic potential were identified. The Abies alba needle extract was more toxic to microbial strains than the eukaryotic cells that provide its active wound healing principles. In this context, developing industrial upscaling strategies is imperative for the long-term success of biorefineries and incorporating them as part of a circular bio-economy.

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

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