A Polyphenol-Rich Fraction from Eugenia uniflora Exhibits Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Activities In Vivo

Barbosa E, Rocha HAO, Chaves GM. Mechanism of action and synergistic effect of Eugenia uniflora extract in Candida spp

The limited arsenal of antifungal drugs have prompted the search for novel molecules with biological activity. This study aimed to characterize the antifungal mechanism of action of Eugenia uniflora extract and its synergistic activity with commercially available antifungal drugs on the following Candida species: C. albicans, C. tropicalis, C. glabrata, C. parapsilosis and C. dubliniensis. In silico analysis was performed to predict antifungal activity of the major compounds present in the extract. Minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) were determined in the presence of exogenous ergosterol and sorbitol. Yeast cells were grown in the presence of stressors. The loss of membrane integrity was assessed using propidium iodide staining (fluorescence emission). Synergism between the extract and antifungal compounds (in addition to time kill-curves) was determined. Molecular docking revealed possible interactions between myricitrin and acid gallic and enzymes involved in ergosterol and cell wall biosynthesis. Candida cells grown in the presence of the extract with addition of exogenous ergosterol and sorbitol showed 2 to 8-fold increased MICs. Strains treated with the extract revealed greater loss of membrane integrity when compared to their Fluconazole counterparts, but this effect was less pronounced than the membrane damage caused by Amphotericin B. The extract also made the strains more susceptible to Congo red and Calcofluor white. A synergistic action of the extract with Fluconazole and Micafungin was observed. The E. uniflora extract may be a viable option for the treatment of Candida infections.

ESI(-)FT-ICR MS for the determination of best conditions for producing extract abundant in phenolic compounds from leaves of E. uniflora and FTIR-PCA as a sample screening method

E. uniflora leaves are a rich source of phenolic compounds with biological activities, including myricitrin. In this study, the chemical profile of nine extracts prepared with leaves collected in three regions (mountain, beach, and mangrove) and at three different times of the day (8 am, 1 pm, and 6 pm) was evaluated from spectra originating from ultra-high resolution mass spectrometry (Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance, FT-ICR) coupled to electrospray ionisation (ESI). The best time of the day and location for collecting the leaves of E. uniflora used as raw materials for producing extracts and the best ethanol concentration for obtaining an extract more abundant in compounds of interest were verified. Several flavonoids and phenolic acids were detected in their deprotonated form in the regions from m/z 200 to 1200. Myricitrin ([C21H20O12-H]-, m/ztheo 463.08820), its chloride adduct ([C21H20O12+Cl]-, m/ztheo 499.06488), other myricitrin derivatives, and some tannins were the main compounds detected. Considering obtaining an extract rich in phenolic compounds, including myricitrin, the best place and time of the day to collect E. uniflora leaves is in the beach region at 1 pm. In contrast, the best ethanol concentration for extract production is 70 wt%. Therefore, extraction at 96 wt% ethanol is better for obtaining an extract more abundant in phenolic acids, although 70 wt% ethanol also extracted these compounds. FTIR-PCA models were used to check for possible similarities in the data according to collection time of the day and location. These models demonstrated an excellent solution for sample screening.

Influence of Major Polyphenols on the Anti-Candida Activity of Eugenia uniflora Leaves: Isolation, LC-ESI-HRMS/MS Characterization and In Vitro Evaluation

The content of chemical constituents in Eugenia uniflora leaf extracts correlates positively with biological activities. The experimental objective was to carry out the phytochemical screening and purification of the major polyphenols from the leaves of E. uniflora. In addition, the anti-Candida activity of the hydroalcoholic extract, fraction, subfractions and polyphenols purified were evaluated. After partitioning of the extract with ethyl acetate, the fractions were chromatographed on Sephadex® LH-20 gel followed by RP-flash chromatography and monitored by TLC and RP-HPLC. The samples were characterized by mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-QTOF-MS2) and subjected to the microdilution method in 96-well plates against strains of C. albicans, C. auris, and C. glabrata. Myricitrin (93.89%; w/w; m/z 463.0876), gallic acid (99.9%; w/w; m/z 169.0142), and ellagic acid (94.2%; w/w; m/z 300.9988) were recovered. The polyphenolic fraction (62.67% (w/w) myricitrin) and the ellagic fraction (67.86% (w/w) ellagic acid) showed the best antifungal performance (MIC between 62.50 and 500 μg/mL), suggesting an association between the majority constituents and the antifungal response of E. uniflora derivatives. However, there is a clear dependence on the presence of the complex chemical mixture. In conclusion, chromatographic strategies were effectively employed to recover the major polyphenols from the leaves of the species.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes in Various Chronic Liver Diseases: Hype or Hope?

Chronic liver conditions are associated with high mortality rates and have a large adverse effect on human well-being as well as a significant financial burden. Currently, the only effective treatment available for the effects of liver failure and cirrhosis resulting from the progression of several chronic liver diseases is liver transplantation carried out at the original location. This implies that developing novel and effective treatments is imperative. Regenerative medicine has long been associated with stem cell therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a type of cell with great differentiation potential, have become the preferred source for stem cell therapy. According to recent studies, MSCs' paracrine products-rather than their capacity for differentiation-play a significant therapeutic effect. MSC exosomes, a type of extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV), came into view as the paracrine substances of MSCs. According to research, MSC exosomes can maintain tissue homeostasis, which is necessary for healthy tissue function. All tissues contain them, and they take part in a variety of biological activities that support cellular activity and tissue regeneration in order to preserve tissue homeostasis. The outcomes support the use of MSCs and the exosomes they produce as a therapeutic option for a range of diseases. This review provides a brief overview of the source of MSC-EVs and outlines their physiological roles and biochemical capabilities. The elucidation of the role of MSC-EVs in the recovery and repair of hepatic tissues, as well as their contribution to maintaining tissue homeostasis, is discussed in relation to different chronic liver diseases. This review aims to provide new insights into the unique roles that MSC-EVs play in the treatment of chronic liver diseases.

Validation of stability-indicating LC method, degradation study, and impact on antioxidant and antifungal activities of Eugenia uniflora leaves extract

The aim of this study is to demonstrate the stability-indicating capacity of an analytical method for Eugenia uniflora, enhance understanding of the stability of myricitrin, and assess the effect of degradation of spray-dried extract (SDE) on antioxidant and antifungal activities. Validation of the stability-indicating method was carried out through a forced degradation study of SDE and standard myricitrin. The antioxidant and antifungal activities of SDE were evaluated both before and after degradation. The quantification method described was found to be both accurate and precise in measuring myricitrin levels in SDE from E. uniflora, with excellent selectivity that confirmed its stability-indicating capability. The forced degradation study revealed that the marker myricitrin is sensitive to hydrolysis, but generally stable under other stress conditions. By contrast, the standard myricitrin displayed greater susceptibility to degradation under forced degradation conditions. Analysis of the antioxidant activity of SDE before and after degradation showed a negative impact in this activity due to degradation, while no significant effect was observed on antifungal activity. The method described can be a valuable tool in the quality control of E. uniflora, and the findings can assist in determining the optimal conditions and storage of products derived from this species.

Hepatoprotective effects of almond shells against carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in albino rats

Liver injury is a prevalent pathological process that can give rise to conditions such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, fibrosis, and even cancer. It has been observed that plants and natural products possess significant protective effects against liver injury. Current study was performed to investigate the efficacy of almonds shell against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity in rat model. As almonds shell contain a large variety of phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which are largely associated with antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. For this purpose, screening of small-scale library of twenty plant extracts was performed for evaluation of antioxidant potential by DPPH assay. The data revealed that almonds shell extract (ASEE) exhibited potent antioxidant activity. This potent extract was further evaluated for hepatoprotective activity in in vivo rat model on 30 rats, divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. On 29th day all rats were sacrificed and blood serum was collected for further analysis. Liver tissues were also preserved in formalin for histopathology. The results demonstrated that ASEE displayed a protective effect on liver function tests (LFT), renal function tests (RFT), and lipid biomarkers in comparison to the CCl4 group. The histological data also unveiled a substantial safeguarding impact on liver damage, characterized by a reduction in apoptosis, diminished liver hemorrhage, and decreased accumulation of cellular debris. The data indicates that ethanolic extract from almond shells possesses hepatoprotective potential, suggesting its viability as an alternative source for hepatoprotective drug development after pre-clinical research.

Bioactivity-Guided Isolation and Antihypertensive Activity of Citrullus colocynthis Polyphenols in Rats with Genetic Model of Hypertension

Background and Objectives: Citrullus colocynthis belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family and is a wild medicinal plant used in folk literature to treat various diseases. The purpose of the current study was to explore the antihypertensive and antioxidant potentials of Citrullus colocynthis (CC) polyphenol-rich fractions using a spontaneous hypertensive rat (SHR) model. Materials and Methods: The concentrated aqueous ethanol extract of CC fruit was successively fractioned using solvents of increasing polarity, i.e., hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. The obtained extracts were analyzed for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC) and total flavonol content (TOF). Moreover, the CC extracts were further evaluated for radical scavenging capacity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) assays and antioxidant activity using inhibition of linoleic acid peroxidation and determination of reducing potential protocols. The phytochemical components were characterized by HPLC-MWD-ESI-MS in positive ionization mode. Results: The results showed that ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) exhibited a higher content of phenolic compounds in term of TPC (289 mg/g), TFC (7.6 mg/g) and TOF (35.7 mg/g). EAF showed higher antioxidant and DPPH and ABTS scavenging activities with SC50 values of 6.2 and 79.5 µg/mL, respectively. LCMS analysis revealed that twenty polyphenol compounds were identified in the EAF, including phenolic acids and flavonoids, mainly myricetin and quercetin derivatives. The in vivo antihypertensive activity of EAF of CC on SHR revealed that it significantly decreased the mean arterial pressure (MAP), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressures (DBP) and pulse pressure (PP) as compared to normal and hypertensive control groups. Moreover, EAF of CC significantly reduced the oxidative stress in the animals in a dose-dependent manner by normalizing the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NOx) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Furthermore, the treatment groups, especially the 500 mg of EAF per kg body weight (EA-500) group, significantly (p ≤ 0.05) improved the electrocardiogram (ECG) pattern and pulse wave velocity (PWV). Conclusion: It was concluded that the EAF of CC is a rich source of polyphenols and showed the best antioxidant activity and antihypertensive potential in SHR.

Bioprospecting a Film-Forming System Loaded with Eugenia uniflora L. and Tropaeolum majus L. Leaf Extracts for Topical Application in Treating Skin Lesions

Natural products can be used as complements or as alternatives to synthetic drugs. Eugenia uniflora and Tropaeolum majus are natives of Brazil and have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities. This study aimed to develop a film-forming system (FFS) loaded with plant extracts with the potential for treating microbial infections. E. uniflora and T. majus leaf extracts were prepared and characterized, and the individual and combined antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were evaluated. The FFS was developed with different concentrations of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and analyzed for physicochemical characteristics. The combination of extracts showed a superior antioxidant effect compared to the individual extracts, justifying the use of the blend. FFS prepared with 4.5% PVA, 4.5% PVP, 7.81% E. uniflora extract, and 3.90% T. majus extract was adhesive, lacked scale formation, presented good malleability, and had a suitable pH for topical application. In addition, the viscosity at rest was satisfactory for maintaining stability; water solubility was adequate; skin permeation was low; and the antimicrobial effect was superior to that of the individual extracts. Therefore, the developed FFS is promising for the differentiated treatment of skin lesions through topical application.

Effects of Vegetal Extracts and Metabolites against Oxidative Stress and Associated Diseases: Studies in Caenorhabditis elegans

Oxidative stress is a natural physiological process where the levels of oxidants, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitrogen (RNS), exceed the strategy of antioxidant defenses, culminating in the interruption of redox signaling and control. Oxidative stress is associated with multiple pathologies, including premature aging, neurodegenerative diseases, obesity, diabetes, atherosclerosis, and arthritis. It is not yet clear whether oxidative stress is the cause or consequence of these diseases; however, it has been shown that using compounds with antioxidant properties, particularly compounds of natural origin, could prevent or slow down the progress of different pathologies. Within this context, the Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) model has served to study the effect of different metabolites and natural compounds, which has helped to decipher molecular targets and the effect of these compounds on premature aging and some diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases and dyslipidemia. This article lists the studies carried out on C. elegans in which metabolites and natural extracts have been tested against oxidative stress and the pathologies associated with providing an overview of the discoveries in the redox area made with this nematode.

Safety Investigations of Two Formulations for Vaginal Use Obtained from Eugenia uniflora L. Leaves in Female Rats

Medicinal plants have great prominence in research into the development of new medicines. Eugenia uniflora L. (Myrtaceae) is an edible and medicinal plant with economic value in the northeast region of Brazil. Several preparations from E. uniflora leaves and its fruits are employed as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. In this study we evaluated the preclinical toxicology of crude extract and vaginal gel obtained from the leaves of E. uniflora (5%, 10%, and 15%) aiming to provide safety for its use in the treatment of vulvovaginitis. Both formulations were applied to the vaginal cavity for 14 days. Detailed observations of the vaginal region, including pruritus, swelling, irritation, burning, pain, and vaginal secretion, as well as the estrous cycle were evaluated. On the fifth day, blood samples were obtained from the supraorbital plexus for biochemical and hematological analyses. The animals were subsequently euthanized. All animals underwent necropsy and macroscopic examination of the vaginal mucosa and reproductive system. A histological examination was also performed. No clinically significant changes were detected during the entire experimental period. All biochemical, hematological, or histopathological parameters were within the normal range for the species. The data obtained allow us to suggest that the E. uniflora vaginal formulations are safe in this experimental model.

A Critical Appraisal of the Most Recent Investigations on the Hepatoprotective Action of Brazilian Plants

Conventional treatments for liver diseases are often burdened by side effects caused by chemicals. For minimizing this problem, the search for medicines based on natural products has increased. The objective of this review was to collect data on the potential hepatoprotective activity of plants of the Brazilian native flora. Special attention was given to the modes of extraction, activity indicators, and identification of the active compounds. The databases were Science direct, Pubmed, and Google Academic. Inclusion criteria were: (a) plants native to Brazil; (b) studies carried out during the last 15 years; (c) high-quality research. A fair number of communications met these criteria. Various parts of plants can be used, e.g., fruit peels, seeds, stem barks, and leaves. An outstanding characteristic of the active extracts is that they were mostly obtained from plant parts with low commercial potential, i.e., by-products or bio-residues. The hepatoprotective activities are exerted by constituents such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamin C, phytosterols, and fructose poly- and oligosaccharides. Several Brazilian plants present excellent perspectives for the obtainment of hepatoprotective formulations. Very important is the economical perspective for the rural producers which may eventually increase their revenue by selling increasingly valued raw materials which otherwise would be wasted.

Safety evaluation of aqueous extract from Eugenia uniflora leaves: Acute and subacute toxicity and genotoxicity in vivo assays

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eugenia uniflora Linn (Myrtaceae) is the native species of Brazil. The leaves of this species are used in folk medicine to treat different inflammatory and gastrointestinal disorders. However, research on the safety of using E. uniflora leaves has been poorly explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This approach aims to investigate the phytochemical composition as well as the acute, subacute toxicity, and in vivo genotoxic profile of the aqueous extract of E. uniflora leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical composition of E. uniflora leaf extract was determined by Fingerprint by High-Performance Thin Layer and High-Performance Liquid Chromatography. The acute toxicity in vivo was evaluated for 14 days after the administration of E. uniflora leaves extract (2000 mg/kg). For the evaluation of subacute toxicity, mice were daily treated for 28 days with E. uniflora extract (250, 500, or 1000 mg/kg). Signs of behavioral toxicity and biochemical and hematological alterations, including the multiple organ toxicities were investigated. In addition, the micronucleus assay was used to evaluate the in vivo genotoxicity of the leaves extract in murine erythrocytes.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis showed the majority presence of phenolic compounds (gallic acid, ellagic acid, and myricitrin). Single or repeated doses of the aqueous extract of E. uniflora leaves did not reveal any signs of in vivo toxicity. Daily doses of the extract for 28 days induced a slight reduction in cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Furthermore, E. uniflora leaves extract (1000-2000 mg/kg) showed no genetic damage in the micronucleus assay, indicating the absence of genotoxicity of the herbal species.

CONCLUSION

The aqueous extract of E. uniflora leaves showed a predominance of phenolic compounds, with non-toxic and non-genotoxic action in vivo. This approach sheds light on the chemical composition of the leaves of E. uniflora and suggests a high margin of safety in the popular use of the leaves of this plant species.

Anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive effects and involvement of opioid receptors in the antinociceptive activity of Eugenia uniflora leaves obtained with water, ethanol, and propylene glycol mixture

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Eugenia uniflora (Myrtaceae) is a species native to Brazil and has a traditional use in the treatment of inflammation.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, and the involvement of opioid receptors in the antinociceptive activity of extract and fractions from Eugenia uniflora leaves.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TLC and HPLC were used to characterize the spray-dried extract (SDE) and fractions. In the in vivo assays, Swiss (Mus musculus) mice were used. Carrageenan-induced hind-paw edema and carrageenan-induced peritonitis models were used to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg). Acetic acid-induced writhing, tail-flick, and formalin tests were used to determine the antinociceptive effect of the extract (50, 100, or 200 mg/kg). The aqueous (AqF) and ethyl acetate (EAF) fractions (6.25, 12.5, and 25 mg/kg) were then combined with naloxone to evaluate the involvement of opioid receptors in the antinociceptive activity.

RESULTS

In this work, the TLC and HPLC analysis evidenced the enrichment of EAF, which higher concentration of gallic acid (5.29 ± 0.0004 %w/w), and ellagic acid (1.28 ± 0.0002 %w/w) and mainly myricitrin (8.64 ± 0.0002 %w/w). The extract decreased the number of total leukocytes and neutrophils in the peritoneal cavity (p < 0.05), at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and showed significant inhibition in the increase of paw edema volume (p < 0.05). The treatment per oral route (doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced the nociceptive response in acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing (p < 0.05). The effect of the extract on the tail-flick test showed a significant increase in latency time of animals treated at doses of 200 and 100 mg/kg (p < 0.05). The extract and ethyl acetate fraction reduced the nociceptive effect in both phases of formalin at all tested doses. The naloxone reversed the antinociceptive effect of EAF, suggesting that opioid receptors are involved in mediating the antinociceptive activity of EAF of E. uniflora in the formalin test.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of water: ethanol: propylene glycol spray-dried extract from E. uniflora leaves using in vivo pharmacological models in mice. Our findings suggest that spray-dried extract and ethyl acetate fraction exhibit peripheral and central antinociceptive activity with the involvement of opioid receptors that may be related to the presence of flavonoids, mainly myricitrin.

Caper (Capparis spinosa L.): An Updated Review on Its Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Traditional Uses, and Therapeutic Potential

Caper (Capparis spinosa L.) is a perennial shrub of the family Capparaceae, endemic to circum-Mediterranean countries. Caper carries a renowned nutritional value, especially in terms of vitamins and antioxidants related to the occurrence of flavonoids, alkaloids, and glucosinolates as main secondary metabolites. Caper extracts have also shown to display antibacterial, antifungal, analgesic, antitumor, hepatoprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects which correlate the uses of the plant in folk medicine against both metabolic and infectious diseases. The present review aims to provide exhaustive phytochemistry and pharmacological properties survey on Caper constituents. Attention has also been given to the nutritional values and traditional uses of main organs to pinpoint research gaps for future investigations on the plant.

Synergistic Effect between Amoxicillin and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles Reduced by Oak Gall Extract against Helicobacter pylori

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is a global health threat, and the World Health Organization has included H. pylori among 12 bacterial species that require high priority future strategies for the development of new antibiotics due mainly to its high rates of resistance. Metallic nanoparticles are known for their antimicrobial properties. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has approved zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) as biocompatible antimicrobials. Green synthesis of ZnONPs was performed based on Oak galls extract (OGE) and was characterized by UV, IR, DLS, TEM, and SEM measurements. In addition, LC-MS/MS was used for the identification of OGE constituents. A checkerboard assay was used to evaluate the activity of synthesized Qi-ZnONPs and OGE against H. pylori, and their synergistic effects with amoxicillin were evaluated. LC-MS/MS analyses identified 20 compounds as major gallic acid conjugates. The ZnONPs had average particle sizes of 5.5 nm (DLS) and 7.99 nm (TEM). Both OGE and Qi-ZnONPs exhibited moderate activity against H. pylori. Amoxicillin and Qi-ZnONPs combinations (1:2 and 1:4 amoxicillin:/Qi-ZnONPs) significantly decreased the MIC₉₀ by two-fold and four-fold, respectively, and FIC values for the combinations were more significant than with OGE alone. OGE is rich in phenolics. The synergism between Qi-ZnONPs and amoxicillin can provide an alternative safe agent of low cost to combat H. Pylori infections.

Phytochemical profiling and anti-fibrotic activities of Plumbago indica L. and Plumbago auriculata Lam. in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats

This study aimed at investigating the chemical composition and the hepatoprotective activities of Plumbago indica L. and P. auriculata Lam. LC-MS/MS analyses for the hydroalcoholic extracts of the aerial parts of the two Plumbago species allowed the tentative identification of thirty and twenty-five compounds from P. indica and P. auriculata, respectively. The biochemical and histopathological alterations associated with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in rats were evaluated in vivo where rats received the two extracts at three different dose levels (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o, daily) for 15 consecutive days with induction of hepatotoxicity by TAA (200 mg/kg/day, i.p.) at 14th and 15th days. Results of the present study showed a significant restoration in liver function biomarkers viz. alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma glutamyl transferase and total bilirubin. The liver homogenates exhibited increased levels of antioxidant biomarkers: reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT), accompanied with decline in malondialdehyde (MDA). Furthermore, treated groups exhibited a significant suppression in liver inflammatory cytokines: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interlukin-6 (IL-6), and fibrotic biomarker: alpha smooth muscle relaxant. Histopathological examination of the liver showed normality of hepatocytes. Noteworthy, P. indica extract showed better hepatoprotective activity than P. auriculata, particularly at 200 mg/kg. To sum up, all these results indicated the hepatoprotective properties of both extracts, as well as their antifibrotic effect was evidenced by reduction in hepatic collagen deposition. However, additional experiments are required to isolate their individual secondary metabolites, assess the toxicity of the extracts and explore the involved mechanism of action.

Watery Rose Apple: A Comprehensive Review of Its Traditional Uses, Nutritional Value, Phytochemistry, and Therapeutic Merits against Inflammation-Related Disorders

The myrtle family, Myrtaceae, constitutes over 5500 species, and Syzygium is considered the largest genus of the flowering plants within the family. The watery rose apple, Syzygium aqueum, is a traditional medicinal plant with various bioactive compounds distributed in all plant parts. These include phenolic compounds, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and essential oils. S. aqueum extracts and their isolated compounds showed multiple beneficial biological effects such as antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, analgesic, antimalarial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer activities. This review is aimed at discussing all the available information about the nutritional value, traditional uses, and therapeutic properties of the leaves, fruit, and stem bark of the plant, in addition to the distribution of phytoconstituents in its different parts as well as recommend future research directions on this species to promote its clinical uses.

Effectiveness of food concentrate phenolic compounds of apples in experimental membrane pathologies

Apple fruits are an available source of phenolic compounds that exhibit a wide range of biological activities (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, membrane stabilizing, etc.). The antioxidant properties of food concentrate phenolic compounds of apples (Concentrate) were studied in vitro in models of spontaneous and ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation (LPO) in rat liver homogenate, and acute carbon tetrachloromethane hepatitis was chosen as in vivo model in rats. Membrane stabilizing activity was evaluated by the degree of hemolysis in blood samples from the tail vein. The effect of Concentrate on vascular permeability was studied considering the time of animal skin papules staining at the site of injection of phlogogenic substances. Hepatoprotective activity in the model of acute carbon tetrachloride hepatitis was assessed by changes in prooxidant-antioxidant status in liver homogenate and liver enzymes activity in serum. Significant antioxidant effect of Concentrate was fixed in models of spontaneous and ascorbate induced LPO (TBA reactants’ content was 3.12 times and 2.25 times lower than control for spontaneous LPO and ascorbate induced LPO, respectively) and under tetrachloride hepatitis (Concentrate antioxidant activity was 47.8%). The membrane-protective activity of the studied Concentrate was also high and reached 50.1%. Also, Concentrate demonstrated capillary-strengthening properties, reducing the permeability of the vascular wall, which was caused by three different chlorogens, most notably by zymosan (Concentrate significantly delayed the stain utilization from the bloodstream by 2.14 times compared to control). Newly developed concentrate showed complex hepatoprotective activity, improving the indices of antioxidant-prooxidant status and activity of liver cytolysis enzymes in rats with tetrachloromethane hepatitis. The transparent corrective effects of Concentrate are the result of synergism and additivity of its multiple components and indicate the prospects of its further research in order to develop medications for the prophylaxis and treatment of diseases associated with membrane damage.

Protective Property of Scutellarin Against Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Mice

Liver injury is a clinical disorder caused by toxins, drugs, and alcohol stimulation without effective therapeutic approaches thus far. Scutellarin (SCU), isolated from the edible herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand. -Mazz. showed potential hepatoprotective effects, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, transcriptomics combined with nontargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed to elucidate the functional mechanisms of SCU in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)–induced liver injury in mice. The results showed that SCU exerted potential hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury by repressing CYP2E1 and IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathways, modulating the gut microbiota (especially enriching Lactobacillus), and regulating the endogenous metabolites involved in lipid metabolism and bile acid homeostasis. SCU originates from a functional food that appears to be a promising agent to guard against liver injury.

The Review of Anti-aging Mechanism of Polyphenols on Caenorhabditis elegans

Micronutrients extracted from natural plants or made by biological synthesis are widely used in anti-aging research and applications. Among more than 30 effective anti-aging substances, employing polyphenol organic compounds for modification or delaying of the aging process attracts great interest because of their distinct contribution in the prevention of degenerative diseases, such as cardiovascular disease and cancer. There is a profound potential for polyphenol extracts in the research of aging and the related diseases of the elderly. Previous studies have mainly focused on the properties of polyphenols implicated in free radical scavenging; however, the anti-oxidant effect cannot fully elaborate its biological functions, such as neuroprotection, Aβ protein production, ion channel coupling, and signal transduction pathways. Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) has been considered as an ideal model organism for exploring the mechanism of anti-aging research and is broadly utilized in screening for natural bioactive substances. In this review, we have described the molecular mechanisms and pathways responsible for the slowdown of aging processes exerted by polyphenols. We also have discussed the possible mechanisms for their anti-oxidant and anti-aging properties in C. elegans from the perspective of different classifications of the specific polyphenols, such as flavonols, anthocyanins, flavan-3-ols, hydroxybenzoic acid, hydroxycinnamic acid, and stilbenes.

Eugenia uniflora and Syzygium samarangense extracts exhibit anti-trypanosomal activity: Evidence from in-silico molecular modelling, in vitro, and in vivo studies

The parasite Trypanosoma brucei is the main cause of the sleeping sickness threatening millions of populations in many African countries. The parasitic infection is currently managed by some synthetic medications, most of them suffer limited activity spectrum and/or serious adverse effects. Some studies have pointed out the promising therapeutic potential of the plant extracts rich in polyphenols to curb down parasitic infections caused by T. brucei and other trypanosomes. In this work, the main components dominating Eugenia uniflora and Syzygium samarangense plant extracts were virtually screened, through docking, as inhibitors of seven T. brucei enzymes validated as potential drug targets. The in vitro and in vivo anti-T. brucei activities of the extracts in two treatment doses were evaluated. Moreover, the extract effects on the packed cell volume level, liver, and kidney functions were assessed. Five compounds showed strong docking and minimal binding energy to five target enzymes simultaneously and three other compounds were able to bind strongly to at least four of the target enzymes. These compounds represent lead hits to develop novel trypanocidal agents of natural origin. Both extracts showed moderate in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity. Infected animal groups treated over 5 days with the studied extracts showed an appreciable in vivo anti-trypanosomal activity and ameliorated in a dose dependent manner the anaemia, liver, and kidney damages induced by the infection. In conclusion, Eugenia uniflora and Syzygium samarangense could serve as appealing sources to treat trypanosomes infections.

A sulfated polyphenols-rich extract from Sabal yapa exhibits antitumor activities in Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

Cancer is the second leading cause of mortality accounting for one in every six deaths globally. Plant secondary metabolites, among them polyphenols, represent an effective and much safer alternative approach to the currently available medications. In this work, utilizing LC-MS/MS, we characterized the constituents of S. yapa leaves extract and evaluated its antioxidant and anticancer properties. In total, 34 secondary metabolites, mainly flavonoids (Tricin, luteolin, and apigenin and their glucosides as well as sulfated derivatives) were identified. The extract manifested substantial antioxidant activity in DPPH assay, and high total phenolic content determined by Folin Ciocalteu method. The extract was safe up to 4800 mg/kg b.wt. when administered orally in mice and neither affected the hematological parameters nor the liver enzyme levels at the studied dose (LD₅₀, 480 mg, kg b.wt.). In the treated animals, the extract surpassed the reference drug (5-flouro uracil) and significantly reduced the tumor volume and weight by 71.50 and 85.46%, respectively, increased the median survival time to 53.2 days and the lifespan by 116%. The extract improved all the hematological parameters, where it increased the hemoglobin (Hb) concentration, red blood cell (RBC) count, packed cell volume (PVC) and platelets by 58.21, 8.98, 9.89 and 120%, respectively, compared to the untreated EAC bearing animals. Additionally, the extract significantly declined the elevated levels of ALT and AST enzymes by 29.18% and 59.88%, respectively. In molecular docking, the annotated flavonoids displayed appreciable binding affinities to the active sites of VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. In conclusion, Saba yapa is a promising plant that can be introduced to further advanced clinical studies for the development of novel anticancer drugs with lower side effects.